In a recent briefing to the Security Council, Volker Perthes, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Sudan, highlighted the urgent need for a ceasefire in Sudan to halt the ongoing violence and pave the way for peace talks. The conflict, which erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on April 15, has resulted in widespread destruction, loss of life, and the displacement of over one million people.
Perthes expressed deep concerns about the grave human rights violations, including reports of serious abuses, looting, and the influx of weapons throughout the country. The conflict’s ethnicization is particularly worrisome, as it risks further destabilizing Sudan and having wider implications for the region. Perthes called on both parties to prioritize dialogue and return to negotiations for the sake of Sudan and its people.
The impact on civilians has been devastating, with over 700 reported deaths, including 190 children, and more than 6,000 people injured. Additionally, the violence has led to the displacement of over one million people, with 840,000 seeking refuge in safer areas within Sudan and 250,000 crossing the borders into neighboring countries. Among the displaced population, nearly 8,000 are pregnant women, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Perthes emphasized the urgent need to investigate the serious human rights violations and bring the perpetrators to justice. He stressed the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and protecting civilians. The widespread destruction of homes, shops, places of worship, and critical infrastructure, including water and electricity installations, has further compounded the crisis. The health sector has been severely impacted, with two-thirds of hospitals closed, healthcare workers killed, and medical supplies running low.
Disturbing reports of sexual violence against women and girls have also emerged, warranting immediate investigation. Perthes expressed concern over rampant looting, enforced disappearances, and the recruitment and use of children as soldiers, as well as their vulnerability to sexual violence and abduction.
Ethnic violence in West Darfur, triggered by clashes between the warring parties, has further escalated the crisis. Tribal militias joined the fighting, and civilians took up arms to defend themselves. The violence resulted in the deaths of over 450 civilians, injuries to 700 others, and the displacement of tens of thousands to Chad. Worrying signs of tribal mobilization have also been reported in South Kordofan and the Blue Nile region.
While some have criticized the UN for not foreseeing the conflict, Perthes emphasized that the responsibility lies with those currently engaged in the fighting. He commended the efforts led by Saudi Arabia and the United States, with the signing of the Declaration of Commitments by the SAF and RSF on May 11. This commitment aims to respect international humanitarian law and facilitate humanitarian access.
UNITAMS, the UN mission in Sudan, has supported the restoration of aid supplies through a hub in Port Sudan, in collaboration with the UN Country Team and humanitarian partners. However, urgent additional funding is needed to address the ballooning humanitarian response plan, which now requires $2.6 billion to assist 18 million people affected by the conflict.
Perthes emphasized the importance of including a diverse range of civil and political stakeholders in the peace talks. He stressed that a credible civilian-led transition is crucial to achieving lasting peace in Sudan.
As the ceasefire is pending, the international community must rally support for Sudan, prioritize humanitarian aid, and actively engage in efforts to bring an end to the violence and facilitate a sustainable peace process.
